feed which was responsible for low DMI. The DCP and TDN intake (g/kg W0.75) of lactating crossbred cows were reported by Mahanta (2017) at 7.42–8.13 and 66.58–70.57, respectively. The higher DCP and TDN intake in the present study may be due to higher feed dry matter intake by crossbred cows than the values reported by Mahanta (2017). The cost of different concentrate feed varied from Rs. 6910 to 7280 per ton which was much lower than the market rate (Rs. 16 000/t) (Table 3.4). Mahanta (2017) also prepared different low cost feed costing Rs. 8.58 and 8.28 per kg for lactating cows. In the present study, the cost of total feed offered to dairy animals in a day varied from Rs. 62.47 to 82.36. The cost of milk production was also estimated to be Rs. 8.61 to 10.37 per liter (Figure 3.2). Vagamashi et al. (2016) reported an additional benefit of Rs. 38 per animal per day in cows fed on balanced ration, when milk production was increased by 0.95 l/day/animal and fat percentage by 0.24%. However, Mahanta (2017) reported the feed cost for milk production at Rs. 10.98–12.21 per kg of milk in crossbred cows fed low cost balanced feed, which are almost similar to the present study.
3.4 Conclusion and Future Prospects
TMR and homemade balanced feed are two important technologies for dairy sector in reducing the production cost as well as maintaining good health of animals. In most parts of the eastern region, undernutrition is a major constraint in animal production due to high cost of concentrate, lack of green fodder and quality dry fodder. Therefore, major share of ration is constituted by only crop residues and by‐products. As a result, full potential of production and reproduction of dairy animals is not exploited. Moreover, high cost of concentrate feed results in increase in input cost and thereby, nonprofitability of dairy farming. Feeding of homemade balanced concentrate together with TMR can solve the problem, particularly in smallholder milk production system. In recent years mobile‐based ration balancing programme is being implemented in many parts of India by NDDB. However, still it is not gaining up to the mark, particularly among resource poor farmers. Readymade availability of different types of homemade concentrate feed formulas may be acceptable by the smallholders. For wider dissemination, the formulas need to be handed over to the state government, KVKs and NGOs. Use of mass media and distribution of leaflets are also needed for creating general awareness among smallholders.
Figure 3.2 Daily feed cost and feed cost for milk production in cows fed different concentrate mixtures.
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